The Air Force Museum of New Zealand has acquired two significant former Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Historic Flight aircraft following their retirement from flying.
NZ662, a de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth and NZ1015, a North American Harvard, will be transported by road from RNZAF Base Ohakea to Christchurch next week to join the national collection.
They will be conserved and cared for as permanent items in the Air Force Museum of New Zealand’s collection so they can be displayed for the generations to come.
Collections Manager Darren Hammond said both aircraft had fascinating back stories in service, had trained hundreds of pilots and starred in dozens of air shows.
“Harvard NZ1015 is particularly important because we believe it is the longest serving aircraft of its type. It has been in RNZAF ownership since it arrived in September 1942 and its flying career spanned 76 years.
“Both aircraft will be conserved and put on display so that they can be enjoyed by the public as significant reminders of our aviation history.’’
Tiger Moth NZ662 was built at the Morris Motors factory in Cowley, England and then shipped to New Zealand in July 1940.
It served with No.2 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) at RNZAF Station Whenuapai and No.4 EFTS at RNZAF New Plymouth before being transferred to the civil register in January 1946.
Conversion to agricultural topdressing configuration took place in 1951 and this was followed by various changes in ownership and export to Fiji in 1965. The aircraft returned to New Zealand in 1973, eventually making its way back into RNZAF ownership in 1985. A full restoration to flying condition then took place with the first post-rebuild flight occurring in January 1987. It has been with the Historic Flight since then.
North American Harvard NZ1015 arrived in September 1942. It was assembled and brought on charge at RNZAF Station Hobsonville.
Initially assigned to No.2 Fighter Operational Training Unit at RNZAF Station Ohakea until late 1944. It was then transferred post-war to No.3 Territorial Air Force Squadron. Following conversion to later Mk.2A* configuration the aircraft remained part of the RNZAF training fleet until 1973, when it was placed into storage at RNZAF Base Wigram. NZ1015 was transferred to the RNZAF Historic Flight in July 1979. It was damaged in a forced landing in 2018 and has not flown since then.
NZ662 will go on display in the near future, NZ1015 will be displayed once repairs are completed.
